Summer is here -

May 31st. 7 pm. to 11 pm.  The Annual Cleopatra's Needle Student/Teacher Engagement.  Cleo's is on Broadway in NYC between 92nd. an 93rd. St.  I'll be singing and my students: Kristen Dziuba, Rafaela Gurtler, Sara Guttman.  Jason Teborek piano, Dean Johnson bass and Tim Horner drums.  This is always a fun night filled with surprises.

April and May have flown by.  I had some wonderful gigs and great experiences with students from both programs this year.  In April I performed with the New Jersey City Big Band directed by Ed Joffe and we played at the famous Jazz Vespers Concert Series at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, N.J.  The one and only Dorthaan Kirk books this series (long time WBGO artistic counselor).  Mark Gross played alto on the concert which really made the music special.  Thank you to all the guys who played their best on my charts.
   The end of the school year brings a sad goodbye to another extremely talented student, Kristen Dziuba. In the past few years, Kristen has grown into one heck of a great musician, improviser, lyricist and composer/arranger.  It's always sad when it's time for a student to move on but this is a teachers job to prepare them to fly on their own.  
   May also brought a tribute to the great jazz vocalist, Mark Murphy for his 80th Birthday at The Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC.   Jean-Pierre LeDuc organized a great group of singers who performed as well as Mark.  I sang as well as Dena DeRose, Giacomo Gates, Amy London, Rhiannon, Sachal Vasanandi, Tom Lellis, Tessa Souter  and Steve Ross.  What a great night it was.

Photo: Tessa Souter, Roseanna Vitro, Rhiannon, Tom Lellis and Mark Murphy -Blue Note Jazz Club 5/21st/2012
   On May 22nd. the NJPAC Jazz for Teens Program had the final concert.  I worked with seven kids who have a lot of spunk and heart and talent.  They were great in concert and I'll miss the graduates out of the class who will go on to college this next year.

Lyn, Britany, Grace, Makyra, Osa (back row) and (front row) Destiny, Ro, D'Ana and Bemigho
The NJPAC Vocal Jazz Class - 2012...Love you guys..
   
    Watch my website for gigs and new projects.  Clare Fischer's son Brent reached out to me recently and I may be doing a new project of Clare's music.  What could be cooler than that?  
     Ro

The 54th Annual Grammys Experience

It's been three weeks since my return from Hollywood and the 54th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony. The Vocal Jazz nomination for : "The Music of Randy Newman" (Motéma Music) will always be a highlight in my life, not only for myself, but my entire family. I only wish I could have shared the entire trip with my band, who worked diligently for a year and a half rehearsing and putting the music and arrangements together. Special thanks to Mark Soskin, pianist for his playing and arrangements, Sara Caswell violin for her sensitivity, arranging additions and fine musicianship, Dean Johnson bassist extraordinaire and Tim Horner excellent drummer and percussionist. A special 'Thank you' to manager/friend Jeffrey Levenson for attending all of the bands rehearsals, giving advice and support throughout the birth of my project. I did share this experience with my husband and engineer of the project, Paul Wickliffe, daughter Sarah, my sisters, niece, mom, her best friend and even my cousin and my make up artist Adele. What an entourage.

Terri Lynn Carrington, famed jazz drummer won The Vocal Jazz award for her recording, "Mosaic" which featured a who's who of famous singers and female musicians, ie. Diane Reeves Casandra Wilson, Esperanza Spalding, Gretchen Parlato and more. The other three vocalists in my category were: Kurt Elling, Tierney Sutton and Karrin Allyson. All of the recordings were very good and it was an honor to be considered with this group.

The entire weekend was a whirlwind experience. All of my family were booked in a Doubletree Hotel in L.A. and we all arrived on friday afternoon. We immediately picked up our tickets at the Staple Center and proceeded on to El Cholo across the street which boasts the finest margaritas and Mexican fare you can imagine. Saturdays events included a Nominees Only event; The Lifetime Achievement Awards Ceremony, which honored, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Diana Ross, The Allman Brothers, George Jones and Glen Cambell followed by a huge dinner and concerts of Grammy kids bands, plus photos and receiving the 'gold medal' medallion (photo from my cell phone at top left the moment I put it on!). This was too exciting, I think my face says it all.

In the evening after the dinner and ceremony, my family met at famed Beverly Hills Restaurant Villa Blanca for drinks and dinner followed by a white limo sight seeing tour of Hollywood for my entire group. We had a blast, rocking out to listening cds I made for the trip. I'm not sure the Russian limo driver appreciated the Tex/Mex mix we were singing with complete with: Lorretta Lynn's, "You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man" and "Texarkana Baby". Harry Levenson had a hard time with the C&W and Jeffrey rode in the front of the limo with the driver. We returned around 12 midnight with everyone exhausted but ready for Grammy Day.

Grammy Day started with make up (Adele Fass) , hair stylist (Jerry Lambert), a solid breakfast and a mind set that no matter who wins the Grammy, we are set. I knew that each record in my category could easily win. All of the projects were excellent, but we all knew that Terri Lynn was poised to take the prize with an album loaded with famous singers. Many people felt her project should have been entered in another category, but NARAS had deleted over 30 categories and Terri's album met the rules of 51 minutes of vocals for our category. It's all good. After the winner was announced in the pre-show telecast (around 2pm.) my family put on their comfortables shoes and strolled back over to El Cholo! When you go to the Grammys, you've got to have lunch or dinner there and you'll understand why Robert Redford recommends the margaritas and food.

We were happy and satisfied and ready for the Grammys. Paul and I headed to the Nominees Red Carpet area. I got in line, said hello to Diana Krall. Then proceeded to follow Kathy Griffin, posing on the red carpet with over 75 photographers hollering 'Roseanna, look this way' ! Lol.. Steve Van Zandt was standing beside me before hitting the stage to play guitar with Bruce Springstein. Very cool.

Paul and I had good seats surrounded by other nominees and totally enjoyed the show. Jennifer Hudson was astounding in her tribute to the passing and memory of Whitney Houston. It was a great show and afterwards we headed for the giant after party, where Judi and Joe Lovano were a welcome sight to hang out with. Not everyone in my group got to attend the big party because of Naras selling out of tickets in the first 2 days, but other than that, a great time was had by all. I am inspired on a different level now. After over 30 years singing jazz and teaching for 15 years, this award was mindblowing and unexpected. I am working hard on a couple of new projects and hey- we'll see what happens next?

February 12th, 2012 ... Grammy Announcement Day

I must say that I have been swept up in all the excitement of being a Grammy Nominee this year. But, just like the Federal Government, I believe the NARAS Association needs some house cleaning and reform especially after last year's category cuts. I'm closely watching how NARAS is handling this controversy and I feel strongly there are enough honest members interested in a serious review of last years changes.





On a happier note, this past wednesday, NARAS threw parties on both coasts for Grammy Nominees. This was such a thrill for me to stand with Tierney Sutton, Kurt Elling and Karrin Allyson. I admire them all very much and I am honored to be part of the group. Terri Lynn Carrington could not be there (she is the 5th Vocal Jazz Nominee). Apparently Terri Lynn was allowed in the Vocal Jazz category because she had over 51 minutes of vocals on her album. I've always dug Terri Lynn and she certainly made a fine album.
I am looking forward to hitting the road on February 10th with all of my family in tow. My mother Ruby, her best friend Ann Cox, Sisters Debbie Vitro and Karen Penrod, Debbie's daughter, my niece Lily Smith, husband Paul, daughter Sarah, her boyfriend Dave Pagano, my charming-hair dresser to the stars - Jerry Lambert and his adorable Chef husband Scott Largent. Did I leave anyone out? Lol We're all staying at fabulous Double-Tree where we can hang and party and enjoy what I feel is a 'nod' from my peers.
I'm very grateful at this moment even though this is a difficult time for NARAS. I have faith that it's all gonna work out, that NARAS will re-instate categories that's disenfranchised great artists and whether I win a Grammy or applaud while someone else gets one, it's been an amazing couple of months. My heart is truly touched by all of my friends and well wishers who've posted kudos, called me, texted me and emailed congratulations. Thank you So much. I'm off into a Charlie Parker period for a minute, so you'll see and hear what that's about in April.

Christmas 2011 -

Christmas arrived early for me this year complete with a Grammy Nomination for the Best Vocal Jazz Recording for :The Music of Randy Newman, on the Motéma Music label.
After many years in the music business and doing what we all do in New York; work on our music - this has been a beautiful surprise for me. I'm in a group of nominees who've all been nominated before and one who already has a Grammy. I'm going to close my eyes and enjoy the ride in February when all of my family fly out to Hollywood and join in the big celebration.
I'm very grateful and I Thank everyone who has supported my music through the years and the great musicians who have played music with me.
Paul and Sarah and I will be in Dallas and Marco Island for the Holidays. See you for New Years at The DeerHead Inn..
Love Ro

Thanksgiving 2011 -

This Thanksgiving we had a beautiful time with Sarah home, Paul and Jason Teborek joining us.
I feel very lucky to have a loving family, a roof over my head, a job, many friends and inspiration. On December 19th, Sarah and I will head to Texas to see sisters, Debbie, Karen, niece Lily, Gary & Craig and best of all- my mother Ruby who is up walking this year. Then Sarah and I meet Paul in Ft.Meyers, Florida and head to Mary's house, Paul's mom. Love to all my friends this Holiday Season...x Ro

2011 Grammy's-Youtube Madness - Fall in NY.

On this sunday morning I am thinking of how much I love the fall season in New York. The leaves are changing to deep hues of red, bright gold and orange. The air is cool and crisp and once again it's time for carving pumpkins, for turkeys to hide and the 2011 Grammys. I've released 12 cds in my professional lifetime with the world's greatest musicians singing the hippest songs and arrangements supported by top jazz labels all recorded by Paul Wickliffe (one of the world's greatest recording engineers), website and advertisement designs by my daughter Sarah Wickliffe and advice and management by Jeffrey Levenson. How could I have been any luckier? My latest cd. "The Music of Randy Newman" , (which is up for nomination this year on Motéma Records) was a beautiful musical journey, great lyrics with stories I could believe it. Mark Soskin, great pianist and arranger for this project was Not submitted for of his arrangements on this project. I left the decisions of nominations up to our label which released many great projects this year. If I were lucky enough to be nominated in the Vocal Jazz category, I'll BUY Mark Soskin a ticket to fly out to Hollywood with me. Ms. Sara Caswell, virtuoso violinist on my project, is nominated for her solo on Mark's poignant arrangement of "In Germany Before the War". Sara truly deserves a nomination for her solo, work ethic and vast talent. Dean Johnson and Tim Horner (bassist & drummer) with me for so many concerts, recordings and travel around the world are the finest rhythm section pairing any musician can imagine. I love and respect these two friends with highest esteem and appreciation for their contributions to my music.
Today I was perusing Youtube, listening to new artists and I found a new posting with my latest cd cover, but the track was for " I Don't Need No Doctor" from my "Catchin' Some Ray's" recording on Telarc in 1997. I thought it was a very interesting that someone would post a tune with the wrong cover? Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1lkZ5AgOXE
Ps. Thank you to this blog for posting a new review of "Catchin' Some Rays" all of these years later. http://rfccbh.blogspot.com/2011/06/roseanna-vitro-catchin-some-rays-music.html
Now back to thinking about JVOICE (Vocal Jazz Site on Facebook) and what new project I'd like to grab a hold of. Practice- Practice - Practice -

San Diego - September 20th - The SavilleTheater - Review - The San Diego Reader by Robert Bush

photo's : Michael Oletta



Jason Teborek
Zach BrockAkira Tana - Roseanna Vitro

San Diego Reader

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/

By Robert Bush | Posted September 22, 2011, 5:23 p.m.

KSDS Jazz 88 launched their fall concert series, Jazz Live, with a performance by Roseanna Vitro, who is touring in support of her latest recording on the Motema Music Label, The Music of Randy Newman.

Vitro was born in Arkansas and spent much of her early career in Houston. "Randy comes out of New Orleans, so I can relate to that sense of barbeque in his music," said the singer.

The arrangements on the Newman record were written by Vitro's regular pianist, Mark Soskin, who didn't just reharmonize everything and turn the idiosyncratic composer's cadences into swing — rather, he chose to adapt the material as close to its original spirit as possible.

Vitro, who now resides in New Jersey, brought pianist Jason Teborek and violinist Zach Brock to the West Coast, and, in San Francisco, enlisted veteran drummer Akira Tana for the San Diego gig. Ubiquitous local bassist Rob Thorsen completed the ensemble.

Vitro's strong, no-nonsense, pitch-perfect alto is a natural fit for the music of Randy Newman. She was able to interpret songs like "Sail Away" into a dynamic that didn't lose sight of Newman's sardonic wit and world-weary sense of irony.

The singer's massive jazz credentials never hijacked the spirit of Newman's music, and when she ventured outside that composer's catalog — her inerrant sense of swing and adventurous musicality served a welcome respite from the empty vocal gymnastics of the "American Idol" world we live in.

Special kudos go to Teborek, who handled the straight-eighth rhythmic flow of the Newman material with considerable grace. His solo's were essays in golden toned, fully formed ideas, reminiscent of Lyle Mays's early work with Pat Metheny.

Tana rocked the house with his everything-but-the-kitchen-sink drum solo on "Mama Told Me Not to Come", rearranged with a sultry, stealth dynamic. Thorsen's growling whole notes and joyous walking bass meshed well with the drummer's aesthetic, even though it was their first time playing together.

The principal melodic counterpoint was handled by the excellent, soulful violin of Brock, who nearly stole the show with his intricate lines and sumptuous glissandi, especially on "Sail Away" and "In Germany Before the War," where his attack took on the nature of a soprano saxophone.

Newman's winsome ballad in waltz time, "Losing You," featured a tricky ensemble arrangement that consumed most of the early rehearsal time I witnessed, but Vitro's unadorned, naked honesty made it a highlight moment worthy of all the effort.

Whether she was re-imagining the music of Randy Newman or swinging like nobody's business, Rosanne Vitro's Saville Theatre performance was a master class in pure musical expression.